Delaware is one of the member states of the Southern Regional Education Board, working closely and proactively with schools, colleges, universities and government sectors to find ways to improve the standard of education in the state. There are only a few online academic institutions in Delaware that provide full distance learning opportunities. Also, with tuition expenses ranking higher than the national average of both public and private colleges and universities, many citizens from Delaware explore for options out of state. However, there are excellent choices available for students interested in staying in Delaware.
The few distance learning opportunities in Delaware deliver a surprising number of degree programs for both undergraduate and graduate students. The most common and high-demand industries include social work, psychology, public administration, and public health.
Considered as a proud member of the SREB, Delaware upholds numerous initiatives to enhance distance learning for students. As such, many online schools in Delaware are up-to-date and highly accessible. The state demonstrates a commitment to making online education more reachable and technologically advanced, making distance learning a worthwhile investment for many people.
Online degree programs in Delaware offer the same quality of education as the traditional classroom experience. Delaware’s top programs feature some of the best associate, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. The state has accredited specific out-of-state educational institutions to grant degrees to Delaware residents.
METHODOLOGY
In an aim to help prospective online students make the best decision, the staff and researchers at OnlineSchoolsCenter.com have put together the 5 Top Online Schools in Delaware. To come up with a list of the best and most recommended online academic institutions in the state, we considered these factors:
- High-quality online learning platform for ease of access to online coursework and virtual lectures,
- Rigorous coursework for an in-depth exploration of the many facets of each online degree program to shape the most competent future professionals,
- An impressive student-teacher ratio that translates to more focused instruction and learning,
- Full accreditation from authorizing bodies that ensure the online school’s high academic standards.
Learn more about our ranking process by visiting our Methodology Page.
Wilmington University
Wilmington University is one of the prominent universities around Delaware that delivers a wide selection of undergraduate, graduate, and certificate online degree programs. Students may choose from WilmU’s undergraduate online degrees in business management, computer science, criminal justice, health science, human resource management, marketing, sports management, or psychology among the many featured online degree programs in the undergraduate-level of study. On the other hand, graduate students may choose from among several degree programs, including an MBA, accounting, cybersecurity, applied family science, or administration of justice.
Most of the undergraduate programs require 120-credit hours for completion. Instructors deliver the set of coursework in a completely online format. Distance learners use the Blackboard Learn platform as their course management system, allowing students to access online courses and research work or assignments in the comforts of their own home. Also, the university offers free Online Tutoring powered by Smarthinking company, providing students the opportunity to ask for help and obtain tutoring services at home.
Location: New Castle, Delaware
Admission Requirements:
- Online Undergraduate Application
- Official High School Transcripts
- Math and English Skills Assessment
- Health History/Immunization Records
- Code of Conduct Policy Agreement
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware offers several online degree programs at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. Undergraduate students can choose from UD’s only associate degree program, Associate in Arts, or the solely available bachelor’s degree program in the form of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN-to-BSN Program). On the contrary, UD offers several master’s degree programs that include strategic communication, economics, and entrepreneurship, education, cybersecurity, international business, mechanical engineering, or public administration.
The associate program requires a minimum of 60-credit hours, representing approximately half of a UD Bachelor of Arts degree program. The majority of the graduate programs require 30-credit hours for completion. Graduation requirements and program length vary for each program. However, most of them can be completed in as quick as 24 months. All courses are integrated through the Canvas, a learning management system used by UD.
Location: Newark, Delaware
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in business, economics, mathematics, or a related field of study
- Completed Application Form
- Official Transcript of Records
- Official GRE Test Scores
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Recent C.V. or Resume
- Essay
- $75 Non-Refundable Application Fee
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Delaware State University
Delaware State University offers a variety of online degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate level. Online students can attend undergraduate and graduate programs in different fields of study, including accounting, public health, general management, psychology, sports administration, business administration, social work, and public administration. DSU uses Blackboard, a web-based learning management system that provides students the opportunity to access courses online. Additionally, the university has three types of supplemental courses delivered using the Blackboard platform, namely blended learning courses, online distance education courses, and web-enhanced courses.
The majority of the undergraduate degree programs require 120-credit hours or more; however, online learners earn their degrees in less than four years due to the flexibility and self-paced availability option provided by the university. The university also has several start dates throughout the academic year, allowing students to start anytime they want. The university offers flat-rate tuition for all in-state students and out-of-state students.
Location: Dover, Delaware
Admission Requirements:
- Admission Application Form
- Application Fee
- ACT or SAT Test Scores
- Official High School Transcript of Records
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Strayer University- Delaware
Strayer University- Delaware has a variety of undergraduate and graduate degree programs in areas of study such as accounting, business & finance, criminal justice, education & training, health services administration, and information technology. Graduate students can opt for popular Master of Science in Accounting with concentrations in Corporate Accounting, Forensic Accounting, International Accounting, Public Accounting, and Taxation.
The majority of the undergraduate programs require at least 120-credit hours for completion. Strayer’s online courses delivery format is flexible and asynchronous. Strayer Studios is the university’s tradition of innovating distance learning education, allowing online students to access course materials, assignments and other learning fundamentals at the comforts of their own homes. In addition, the school provides 24-hour online tech support for its students.
Admission Requirements vary per online program. They have numerous opportunities for Financial Aid through grants, scholarships, and potential savings through the eligible transfer of credits and experiential learning credits.
Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application Form
- Official High School Transcripts
- Valid Government-Issued Photo Identification
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Wesley College
Wesley College offers three online graduate programs out of the several programs in different fields of discipline. Graduates who are interested in enrolling at Wesley College can choose from the school’s completely online master’s degree programs. The Master of Arts – Sports Leadership and Master of Criminal Justice are just a couple of the degree programs that can be earned entirely online. A Restorative Justice concentration is available for prospective students who want to enroll in the criminal justice program.
The 100% online master’s programs require 60-credit hours for completion. All courses are completed online. Wesley College utilizes Moodle and BigBlueButton Live Classroom for all its online learning instructions. There is a specified system requirement for general Moodle use for distance learners. Technical support is readily available for students who require technical assistance.
Location: Dover, Delaware
Admission Requirements:
- GPA of 3.0
- Official Transcript of Records
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Current CV or Resume
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Delaware is considered the second smallest state, but the sixth most densely inhabited state in the United States. Similar to other states, students who are eligible for in-state tuition pay much lower costs than out-of-state students. Fortunately, some colleges and universities offer in-state tuition costs to all distance learners regardless of where they reside. In unique cases, some out-of-state students qualify for programs that make the cost of education more affordable.
Delaware is one of the most expensive states in the U.S. to obtain a college degree, and it is usually reflected on the state’s online degree programs. Distance learners enrolled in online academic institutions in Delaware qualify for several financial aid opportunities, and students in the state receive financial assistance to pay for school. Delaware students received approximately $23 million in grants and scholarships in the 2015-2016 academic year according to the National Association of State Student Grant and Aid Programs Annual Survey.
The Southern Regional Education Board aids Delaware students in their quest to afford colleges and universities located outside of the state. They work to improve public education and helps states share resources to accomplish academic aspirations. There are new education partnerships that attract out-of-state students to Delaware’s colleges and universities, providing value with benefits such as in-state tuition expenses. The Academic Common Market program accredits more than 1,900 academic programs in 15 states available to Delaware students, allowing out-of-state students to pursue a degree while paying in-state tuition fees.
METHODOLOGY
Because affordability is a critical factor in an online student’s decision to pursue a degree, our 5 Best Value Online Schools in Delaware features the online academic institutions that help students achieve their goals without having to spend more than they can. These are cheap online colleges that, while touting affordable tuition and fees, do not in any way compromise their academic standards. Ultimately, these online schools in the state guarantee the best rates and offer a wealth of financial aid opportunities—all while maintaining superior academic standards.
Delaware State University
Delaware State University is not only considered one of the best online schools around Delaware but also succeeds to provide quality affordable education for distance learners. Tuition for Delaware State University in-state residents is at $7,038 per academic year. It is one of the cheapest options in terms of the national average public four-year tuition amounting to $7,056. The fees are 52% more affordable than the average Delaware tuition fee of $14,762 for four-year academic institutions. Tuition ranks #1 in Delaware among four-year schools for affordability. Students who are out-of-state residents pay $16,074, representing 128% premium.
89% percent of Delaware State University students are awarded grant aid and other financial assistance programs. The university offers several opportunities for financial assistance, providing students tuition discounts and benefits in paying for the cost of their education.
Location: Dover, Delaware
Admission Requirements:
- Admission Application Form
- Application Fee
- ACT or SAT Test Scores
- Official High School Transcript of Records
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
University of Delaware
University of Delaware tuition is amounting to $11,870 per academic year for students residing in Delaware. Despite being 68% more costly than the national average public four-year tuition cost of $7,056. However, it is 20% cheaper than the average Delaware educational expenses of $14,762 for four-year academic institutions. It is ranked #4 in Delaware for affordability. Out-of-state students pay $31,860 per academic year, representing 168% premium.
75.8% of University of Delaware students received financial assistance. UD is one of the most generous academic institutions that provide numerous programs for financial aid. The university offers discounts of 60.3% off tuition and fees for in-state students. Students who come from low-income families receive an average of $12,807 as financial assistance during their first year.
Location: Newark, Delaware
Admission Requirements:
- Minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale in business, economics, mathematics, or a related field of study
- Completed Application Form
- Official Transcript of Records
- Official GRE Test Scores
- Three Letters of Recommendation
- Recent C.V. or Resume
- Essay
- Non-Refundable Application Fee
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Wilmington University
Wilmington University‘s tuition is at $10,890, considered as 61% more affordable than the national average for private, not-for-profit tuition of $27,755. The cost is 26% more inexpensive than the average Delaware tuition of $14,762 for four-year educational institutions. The university is considered #3 in Delaware for affordability and is the top 5 most expensive four-year university in the state. In-state and out-of-state students pay the same price across the university’s online degree programs.
58% of Wilmington University in-state students receive financial aid in a variety of forms including Grant Aid, and Pell Grants. Wilmington University acceptance rate is 100%, welcoming prospective students following WilmU’s open admissions policy.
Location: New Castle, Delaware
Admission Requirements:
- Online Undergraduate Application
- Official High School Transcripts
- Math and English Skills Assessment
- Health History/Immunization Records
- Code of Conduct Policy Agreement
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Delaware Technical Community College
Delaware Technical Community College offers multiple selections of associate, bachelor’s, certificate and diploma degree programs designed to prepare distance learners for academic and professional success. Students who want to earn a nursing degree can enroll in DTCC’s Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the only bachelor’s degree program offered by the university. For prospective students who want to earn an associate degree, DTCC offers several degree programs from different areas of study such as accounting, business administration, communications, computer engineering, computing & information science, criminal justice, health information management, and marketing among other featured degree programs. Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Science, Associate of Arts in Teaching, Diplomas, Certificates, and Continuing Education degree programs are some of the choices distance learners can consider when enrolling in Delaware Tech.
The majority of the associate degree programs require 60-credit hours for completion. DTCC offers a Connected Degrees program, with more than 200 program-to-program transfer agreements that connect DTCC’s associate degree programs with baccalaureate programs to establish smooth transfer opportunities. In addition, the program provides a clear and concise pathway to quality educational attainment through partnerships with colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degree programs.
Location: Dover, Delaware
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Accuplacer Test in Writing, Reading, and Math
- SAT Test Scores
- Official College Transcript
- Proof of Delaware Residency (If applicable)
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Strayer University-Delaware
Strayer University-Delaware has been helping to shape educational availability for professionals or working adults for more than 120 years. With approximately more than 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students attending classes through online degree programs or any locations, the university provides relevant, innovative, and rigorous academic programs that are suitable for adult learners and enables them to progress in their careers.
The university makes every conscious effort to providing quality and affordable education. Tuition costs are economical, with full-time undergraduates paying an approximate amount of $301 per credit hour. Graduate students pay approximately $408 per credit hour. Strayer University’s financial aid programs and services are readily available to make sure all distance learners receive the maximum amount of tuition reimbursement or discounts.
When applicable, the university has one of the most generous transfers of credits process. Previous academic and work experience is accepted in the form of military credits, corporate training, experiential learning assessment, as well as previous college credit.
Location: Wilmington, Delaware
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application Form
- Official High School Transcripts
- Valid Government-Issued Photo Identification
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
